Local energy research consortium launched

The Government has announced a new research consortium to develop local energy projects, as part of a £102 million programme.

According to the Government, the new consortium will help fast-track the creation of up to three local energy system demonstrators and a range of whole-system design studies, which could be ready in the next decade.

The practical demonstrators will build supply chain capabilities, while the design studies will create a “pipeline of investable projects for the future”,

An inter-disciplinary research programme will be commissioned to work alongside the Energy Systems Catapult, which will help coordinate and provide technical support.

A consortium-building workshop will take place in Birmingham on 9 and 10 July.

The interim challenge director of Prospering from the Energy Revolution Rob Saunders said: “The convergence of new technologies with artificial intelligence, big data, and the internet of things promises a new energy future.

“This future will be one of lower carbon and more efficient energy supply, distribution and storage, giving consumers more control,” added Saunders.

“This energy revolution – a crucial part of the industrial strategy – has the potential to unlock investment, create high-quality jobs all over the country and grow companies capable of exporting.”

The chief executive of blockchain and AI company Energi Mine, Omar Rahim, commented: “This £102 million investment in new local approaches energy is exactly the sort of step the UK government needs to be taking to improve the current energy market.

“This programme’s consumer-centric research projects, when combined with the fast-tracked creation of up to three local energy systems, could pave the way for an alternative to consumer’s reliance on the Big 6 energy providers. Hopefully success here will help create a pipeline of investable projects for the future.”